Korean nuclear expertise drives the New Research Reactor Project in the United States

- The Consortium led by KAERI is awarded Design Contract for University of Missouri's Next Generation Research Reactor- 

Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) announced on 17 April that a Consortium that includes KAERI, Hyundai Engineering Co. Ltd., and U.S. based engineering firm MPR Associates (“the Consortium”) has been selected as the contractor for the design study phase of the University of Missouri's second research reactor project. This marks Korea’s first involvement in a US nuclear reactor project, which greatly enhances Korea-US nuclear cooperation. 

During the design study phase, the Consortium, led by Dr. In-cheol Lim, Executive Vice President of KAERI undertakes programming, regulatory studies and environmental services for the project. 

The 20+ MW research reactor, will expand the current capabilities of the existing reactor at the University of Missouri and address new innovative demands such as cancer treatment. For more than 30 years, KAERI has demonstrated its expertise in the field, from the independent design and operation of the HANARO research reactor in Korea to international projects such as the Jordan Research and Training Reactor, the renewal of digital systems for the Bangladesh research reactor, and the installation of cold neutron sources for the Delft reactor in the Netherlands.

Korea's nuclear research began in 1959 with the Training, Research, Isotopes, General Atomics (TRIGA) research reactor built with assistance of the United States. Now, 65 years later, Korea is the most reliable supplier of advanced research reactor technology to the United States. This achievement highlights the significant progress of Korea’s nuclear technology, particularly in the field of high-performance nuclear fuel.

High-performance nuclear fuel technology, by increasing the uranium density 10% higher than conventional fuel, is critical for enhancing reactor performance and reducing used nuclear fuel. Few countries possess this advanced technology.

KAERI’s president Han Gyu Joo remarked, "Securing the design study contract for the project is a new success story for KAERI. Riding on this momentum, we will strive to lead in nuclear science and applications through the development and use of research reactor and other nuclear technologies." 

“This ground-breaking project will reinforce Korea's reputation as the leading player in the global nuclear market and offer a unique opportunity for the Korea-US Alliance to advance mutual benefits utilizing science and technology”, highlighted by Dr. In-cheol Lim. 

“This is a historic moment for our university, our state and the future of nuclear science and medicine,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “NextGen MURR represents our commitment to research that changes lives. It will allow Mizzou to lead the nation in producing critical medical isotopes while opening new frontiers in science, engineering and patient care.”

The Consortium will complete the conceptual design by the end of 2026. The results of the initial Design Studies Phase will be integrated into the preliminary design and licensing phase under a separate contract.